As the cold, wet and miserable winter slowly fades away, bringing out the sun, warmth and longer days, the sun is gently nudging the buds to bloom and the kids outside to play. There’s an undeniable buzz in the air, and its more than just the bees and insects, the birds are singing and you can hear the joy and laughter of children ditching their screens and getting outside to have some fun. With the days getting longer and the skies bluer, the great outdoors beckons us with endless possibilities for fun and adventure.
Whilst we are only just in spring, hurtling towards summer, why stay cooped up inside when the great outdoors is calling? Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for your next adrenaline rush or someone who finds peace in the gentle rustle of leaves, there’s something for everyone. Here are some fantastic ways to make the most of the delightful weather:
Gardening: If you are lucky enough to have a garden, it’s time to get in back in shape, your hands dirty and engage in some gardening. Not own does it make your garden look good, it’s therapeutic and rewarding, you get to beautify your outdoor space and it can also be an excellent stress reliever.
Hiking and Walks: There’s no better way to connect with nature or to explore your local area than to walk through it. Find a local trail or nature reserve and let the beauty of the natural world invigorate your senses. A good walk is also great exercise, try and walk at least 10,000 steps (about 5 miles) per day to boost your energy, keep active and enjoy your surroundings. You could even use your walks to take in a bit of bird watching or photography – there are plenty of fantastic scenes to photograph when you just take the time to explore, stop and look.
Camping: Immerse yourself in the fresh air with a camping trip, even if is just in the back garden. There’s nothing quite like sleeping under the stars.
Picnics: Head off to the park, pack a picnic basket with your favourite snacks, treats, a blanket and enjoy a meal al fresco. It’s a simple pleasure that never gets old.
Cycling: Dust off your bike and hit the road. If you haven’t used it in a while, make sure it is in good working order first. Cycling is a fantastic way to explore your surroundings and get a good workout.
Outdoor Sports: Gather up your friends for some excellent outdoor fun with a game of football, throwing a frisbee around, or maybe you prefer the peacefulness of a solo run. Get outdoors and get some exercise, stay active and soak up some much needed vitamin D.
With the weather changing for the better, it isn’t just a change in temperature and daylight hours, it an invitation to get outside, take advantage of the fresh air and have some outdoor fun. I have already been trying out some excellent toys and games to play outside that are not just fun for kids, but also the adults and families. Here are some of the products we have been using to have some fun outdoors:
Anyone for tennis? Time to get some practice in for Wimbledon – and I don’t just mean sitting in front of a television screen. Whether playing for fun, recreation or more competitively, tennis is an excellent sport. So grab a tennis racket, find your local court (there are lots in local parks and recreation grounds – I can book a court for a hour from £0 to £4 depending on time of day in my local one). Alternatively, have a bit more fun with Trampoline Tennis – this not a game whilst bouncing on a trampoline, but a game where the rackets become handheld trampoline discs and you hit a string ball between players – it really is great fun.
If tennis, in any form, isn’t your thing, why not practice your keepie uppie skills but without a ball. The Ukick is superb for solo, group or competitive play and great for tricks. Can your stop it from hitting the ground? You don’t have to just use your feet – you can use any part of your body.
What about badminton? It is a bit more gentler than tennis but is a great form of entertainment and active sport. And you don’t need to rent a court somewhere (well, unless you take it more seriously and competitively). The Yonex GR303 Badminton Racket and Net Set is the perfect set that you can play anywhere where you can put the net into the ground. A set with four rackets, shuttlecocks and net all in a convenient carry bag. Play in the garden, your local play or on a beach.
Having fun outdoors doesn’t have to be sporty. We all know that kids love bubbles, but what about running around with a giant bubble that they can even sit and bounce on. Sounds fun, doesn’t it. The Super Wubble Bubble Ball is a super tough but lightweight giant bubble for lots of outdoor fun.
Still not convinced to get outside? Get outside with the kids and throw around the frisbee or play catch with a ball, or better still try the Phat Ball and get the best of both. The Phlat Ball is, well, a flat ball. How does that work I hear you ask. Well, you squash the ball flat, throw it like a frisbee but during flight it magically pops back up into ball from the receiver to catch.
And you can even enjoy the fresh air on your way to school with the kids or on your commute to work with a commuter scooter (a foot powered one, not electric). The Madd Gear Carve Kruzer 200 Commuter Foldable Scooter is perfect for letting the kids ride to school and folds up so that you can carry it home. It is also suitable for adults to ride along with the kids or riding to the train station before folding it up and getting on a train. It makes your daily commute more fun and gives you a bit of exercise as well.
You can read our reviews of all the things we have been trying out by clicking the links in the text above to see the individual reviews or by clicking the button below to see all my Outdoor Fun reviews.
So, what are you waiting for? Lace up your shoes, grab your gear, and embrace the great outdoors. Adventure and fun awaits out in the fresh air!